As the only accredited organization recognized by the Philippine government, the Philippine Institute of Interior Designers is comprised of a community of professional interior design practitioners from across the Philippines.
During formal ceremonies at the Goldenberg Mansion graced by First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, PIID also awarded architect and interior designer Ed Calma as Outstanding Professional of the Year.
With a commitment to further propel the practice of interior design to greater heights not only locally, but also within the region, the Philippine Institute of Interior Designers (PIID) recently held the inauguration of its new board of trustees at the Goldenberg Mansion, one of the heritage mansions within the Malacañang complex.
The PIID, a vanguard in the realm of interior design, has outlined its strategic priorities for the coming years. These priorities underscore the organization’s dedication to strengthen the interior design profession in Southeast Asia, fostering societal transformation through design-driven initiatives, and empowering Filipino designers to excel on both local and international stages.
The newly inducted board of trustees, heralded as the youngest in the organization’s 60-year history, embodies a spirit of innovation and forward-thinking leadership. Comprised of talented individuals from diverse backgrounds, the new board members bring fresh perspectives and dynamic energy to the table.
“We are thrilled to welcome our new Board of Trustees, whose collective vision and passion for design will guide our organization into the future,” said outgoing president Ivy Almario. “As we confront pressing global challenges such as climate change, inequality, and environmental degradation, the PIID remains steadfast in its commitment to leveraging design as a force for positive change.”
The oath-taking ceremony at the iconic Goldenberg Mansion was presided by the PRC Interior Design Chairperson, Sonia Olivares, who commended the new board of trustees with their new roles, which symbolizes their individual and collective commitment to excellence, creativity, and continuous development in the field of interior design.
PIID’s commitment aligns with the administration’s efforts to nurture the creative sector. The Philippine Creative Industries Development Act, or RA 11904, supports the new board of trustees’ dedication to elevating creative capabilities, fostering talent, and ensuring sustainable long-term development.
This devotion to the growth of creative industries is seamlessly woven into the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028, a collaborative initiative fostering partnerships across academia, local government, civil society, media and the private sector. This shared vision enriches not only the interior design industry, but also adjacent design practices in architecture, engineering, furniture design and fine arts.
In the same vein, chairwoman Sheila Romero, on behalf of husband, Rep. Mikee Romero, mentioned during the event that“Our country frequently experiences various types of natural disasters whether tropical storms, flooding, landslide, earthquakes, and the like. Thus in the present 19th Congress, one of the priority measures is to update and repeal the more than four decades old ‘National Building Code of the Philippines,’ which has been in effect since 1977.”
The House Bill No. 815 was filed by Rep. Mikee Romero, calling for the passage of the “New Philippine Building Act”.
Romero further added, “the importance of the work of interior designers is to take full responsibility for the durability and safety of all the furniture and fixtures that are put into designs, especially in times of natural disasters. With this threat at hand, it is high time that everyone be proactive in ensuring that the country’s infrastructures will be well equipped to deal with such a scenario.”
Olivares also emphasized that, “Together, we have the opportunity to shape a more sustainable, equitable, and beautiful world through the transformative power of design. With unity of purpose and unwavering determination, we will chart a course towards a brighter future for generations to come.”
The PIID eagerly anticipates embarking on this transformative journey alongside its esteemed members, partners, and stakeholders. “The design community has the capacity to shape environments that not only please the eye but touch emotions and nurture the soul. PIID will harness this potential to contribute meaningfully to the betterment of our society. Together, we can inspire creativity, foster inclusivity, and leave a lasting imprint on the spaces we touch,” said Cyndi Fernandez-Beltran, PIID’s vice president, during the ceremonies.
The newly inducted Board of Trustees recognizes the imperative to craft spaces that not only inspire and uplift but also endure the test of time. In doing so, the organization believes in welcoming fresh innovations while upholding and honoring the rich tapestry of Philippine heritage and culture. In much the same vein as the Goldenberg Mansion, whose walls and halls stand as a testament to the enduring elegance of Philippine architecture, PIID aspires to leave an indelible mark of excellence upon the landscape of Philippine interior design.
As PIID president Paolo Castro puts it, “The world’s eyes are upon the Philippines, anticipating what our creative talents can produce that will draw attention to our capabilities as a nation. It is our mission to harness the boundless potential of Philippine interior design to not only captivate the world but also to inspire meaningful change and leave an enduring legacy for generations to come.”
In his speech, Castro also added, “As Interior Designers, it is time that we embrace inclusivity and foster collaboration. Let us take the lead in driving innovation by forging partnerships with various industries, including architects, furniture manufacturers, artisans, industrial designers, and all allied trades. Our expertise is a valuable resource that can enrich other sectors.
“Through these collaborations, we can cultivate fresh concepts and contribute substantially to society. When the entire creative industry joins hands, we have the potential to shape our nation’s future. And most importantly, we would like to extend our collaborative efforts to the government. Collaborating in the establishment of standards for public facilities, such as schools, hospitals, housing, and government offices, is a testament to our commitment. It is essential to underscore that interior designers do not merely focus on aesthetics.”
PIID’s board of trustees from 2024 to 2025 are John Paolo Castro, president; Cynthia Marie Fernandez-Beltran, vice president; Jose Enrico Santiago, corporate secretary; Lorenzo Valencia III, treasurer; Rossy Anne Rojales, executive director for professional development; Carla Mae Leonor, executive director for public relations; Katherine Anne Correa, executive director for events; Christine Villamora, executive director for finance; and Ma. Carmen Lim-Regala, director for practice and ethics.
During the said ceremonies, architect and interior designer Ed Calma was also acknowledged as the Outstanding Professional of the Year. Calma is known for designing luxurious homes in upscale communities in the Philippines. He has made his mark for his invaluable contributions to Philippine contemporary architecture.
As the only accredited organization recognized by the Philippine government, PIID is comprised of a community of professional interior design practitioners from across the Philippines headed by a National Chapter in NCR and composed of Regional Chapters in Panay, Cebu, Eastern Visayas, Negros and Mindanao. All members share a common vision of utilizing design to enhance and provide a meaningful contribution to the lives of people, and the sustainable care of the environment.
For more information, visit www.piid.org.ph.
